Council and SARG take a ‘novel’ approach to increase pet adoption
Published on 20 December 2016
Mildura Rural City Council and the Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group (SARG) are taking a ‘novel’ approach to the welfare of dogs and cats at the Mildura Animal Shelter.
For the past few weeks, talking books have been played to animals at the shelter through the facility’s speaker system following research demonstrating the narrated word has proven to calm animals, particularly dogs.
Introducing the program to the Mildura Animal Shelter was the brainchild of SARG president Trudy Chant, who approached Council with the idea.
“Being involved in animal rescue, you hear about a number of ideas to help animals, but when this one was brought to my attention by one of the vets at the Mildura Veterinary Hospital I was immediately interested,” Ms Chant said.
She said while the calming effects of the talking books were a positive for the animals, it could also make visiting the animal shelter a better experience for the public, which could in turn lead to more pets being adopted.
“The concept is that the narrated voice calms the animals, and in an environment such as the Mildura Animal Shelter, we could really see the benefits,” Ms Chant said.
“When people visit the animal shelter they’re often greeted by a lot of dogs barking, which can be confronting to some people if they’re coming in to adopt an animal.
“The noise created by constantly barking dogs can also be tiring on those working at the shelter.
“Studies have shown that animals do relax more when talking books are being played to them.”
SARG funded the purchase of the equipment to set up the project, while Council facilitated its installation, as well as supplying talking books from the Mildura Library.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Community Wellbeing Simon Clemence said the initiative was another example of the positive partnership between Council and SARG.
“We work very closely with SARG and this innovative project, which promises to help increase pet adoptions at the animal shelter, is a prime example of the sort of outcomes that can be achieved through working together,” Cr Clemence said.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au